Traveling to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

May is AAPI Heritage Month, where we try to learn more about those people who helped build the country that we live in. Knowing who correctly contributed to music and architecture and food is so important to understanding our country as a whole. I have finally made it to another Japantown and will be making another visit on my next trip to LA, because I feel like there's so much I didn't see in the short amount of time I was there. I'm interested in taking my time to see more artwork and read more plaques and maybe also staying long enough to have a great lunch.

Eric and I in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles

I frequent a handful of AAPI-owned businesses just in the town where I live, but I try to find others in greater Portland and also when I travel, because when minority-owned businesses are uplifted and thrive, the whole community benefits.

Here are some places to visit on your travels to celebrate and support the AAPI people there:

Chinatown in Vancouver, BC

Chinatowns

Most large cities have a Chinatown, but there are some that aren't that well known that are steeped in history and have amazing food that should be on your radar:

• Las Vegas - Believe it or not, amongst all the other crazy things in Vegas, you can visit a completely separate Chinatown that's not on the Strip. It has over 150 restaurants and is home to 6 supermarkets. This has been on my list for over a year, and I hope to spend some time here on my summer trip.
• Oakland - Often overshadowed by San Francisco's Chinatown, Oakland can be a bit more chill. It's mostly a neighborhood rather than a tourist destination, but there are 45 restaurants and 9 tea shops, the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Madison Park, where you can see people doing Tai Chi in the mornings, and Oakland Fortune Factory, where you can customize your own fortune cookies.
• Honolulu - Hawaiian/South Pacific culture is different than Chinese culture, and Honolulu's Chinatown is it's oldest and most artistic neighborhood, with an eclectic mix of Asian vendors, from lei makers, dim sum restaurants, the Japanese Izumo Taishakyo Mission Shrine, and Chinese Kuan Yin Temple.
• Houston - Although it seems like an unlikely place to find authentic Chinese culture, Houston has a younger, thriving Asiatown, as it brings diversity, instead of just Chinese merchants. You'll also find Malaysian, Vietnamese, Korean, and more within the 6 square miles, including the Hong Kong City Mall and Teo Chew Temple. You can also take a bus tour of this sprawling neighborhood through Asiatown Houston Bus Tour.

Japantown in San Francisco

Japantown

At one point there were many Japantowns, like Chinatown neighborhoods, but they got pushed out of towns, so now there are only three: San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. There is also a Japantown in Vancouver, BC. I've had a goal to visit more than just San Francisco, and we made it to Little Tokyo on our recent trip to LA. 

We bought some cute gifts, had an amazing breakfast burrito and Japanese pastries at a very popular coffee shop, had fun perusing the machines in the goshapon "stores", and then had to hit up Dave's Hot Chicken for a drink in order to use a bathroom, because there are no public restrooms there for some reason.

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Portland used to have a Japanesetown, but it has been pushed out, so now we just have the Japanese American Historical Plaza with a few statues/art pieces and these wonderful cherry blossoms that were gifted to us by Japan. It is right next to Old Town Chinatown though, which has some great restaurants and the Chinese Gardens. Further away, Portland also has a Japanese Garden, which is pretty sprawling. They have cherry blossom trees as well. The people of Portland turn out when the trees are in bloom. This year we had some really beautiful sunny days and the crowds were massive. 

Toronto appears to have a later cherry blossom season, and I'd love to make it there to see them...and also explore the rest of the city.

Statue in Las Vegas's Chinatown

Museums

I love a good museum and when I can learn about a new culture or heritage (or even my own), even better. There are some great ones that can educate you on the history of Asians in America. Here are just a few:

• Wing Luke Museum in Seattle - Located in Seattle's Chinatown, this museum is named after a city council member who was the first Asian American to hold a public position in the Pacific Northwest. Inside you can view paintings, photos, other artwork, and textiles. The museum also offers programming and city tours.
• Angel Island Immigration Museum on Angel Island, California - Thought of as the West Coast's Ellis Island, an estimated one million immigrants came through Angel Island, though Asian immigrants were discriminated against, so not nearly as many were allowed in as wanted to come. Now, Angel Island is a state park that is home to a recreated detention center that will show you what life was like for those Asians who were forced into these types of centers due to the Chinese Exclusion Act.
• Hmong Cultural Center Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota - You might not think of a large Asian population calling the midwest home, but make sure to visit this museum that tells of the Hmong people from Laos who sought refuge in the US after the Vietnam War. Even know, there are around 90,000 Hmong people living in Minnesota, as they were given help through the University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service to set up farms in the Great Lakes area.
• Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles is currently closed, but I'd love to check it out next time I'm in town. It covers over 130 years of history and is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. It collaborates with the Academy Film Archive to care for and provide access to home movies that document the Japanese-American experience. 

Me in Little Tokyo (please ignore my Malfoy shirt, as we were on
our way to Universal Fan Fest Nights)

Can't afford to travel and you're not near any of these things? Well, you can always check out your local Chinatown or Asian cultural center, go eat at a local Asian restaurant, coffee shop, or bakery, or you can throw a destination date night or party at home. Here are a few we've done:

• China
• Japan
• Myanmar/Burma
• Polynesia/Pacific Islands
• Tokyo
• Vietnam

Another great idea is to get ready for a future trip by learning a new language, like Mandarin, Japanese or Korean.

• Babbel allows you to buy a lifetime subscription at up to 55% off, but you can also just pay for a monthly membership. We plan to travel to a lot of international destinations and I jumped on a really good lifetime sub sale in 2021 as a Christmas present to us.
• Pimsleur has been around for a long time and I've used it when they were individual CDs, because I'm old, and that's what was around the second time we traveled to France. Now you can have all their offerings in one spot. Choose one language with Premium Monthly or get access to all 51 languages with All Access Monthly/Annual.
• Rosetta Stone is another one I used before everything was online. I still have Spanish CDs from them somewhere. The online RS is much better, because it's easier to use. You can choose from one language with three month and twelve month plans or all 25 of their languages with a lifetime plan.

Previously, I recommended Duolingo, as I used it in a pinch, it was fun, and it can be free, but they have announced that they are going to be using almost exclusively AI, which means, you never know if you are getting the correct language education, so I immediately dumped it from my phone.

Over the course of the next few months, I'll be posting facts on Facebook about Asian and Black history in destinations I'll be going to over the next year, because I think knowing more than just white history is important, even outside of the US.

Do you have a favorite Chinatown, Asian Market, or Museum that you would like to add to this list? I'd love for you to share.

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

 

Why I Still Think TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Are Worth Getting

If you travel 3 or more times a year, then you know you're spending a lot of time in the TSA line. I don't want to waste time I could be looking at art or eating a meal or browsing in shops. Even if I'm just hanging out at my gate and playing a game, it's better than standing in line for no reason.

I know more people than ever have TSA PreCheck, and a lot of people online are complaining that you are waiting just in long in the PreCheck line as you are the regular line, but in all my experience, I've only waited the same amount once, and that was because the airport just wasn't that busy. There were, literally, 3 people in the normal line. 

On the other hand, PreCheck has saved me on a few occasions when the lines have been extra long and I was running late for my flight. Instead of waiting 45 mins, I waited 3, and was able to relax knowing that I had time to spare before boarding. In fact, one trip I got to the airport as my flight was boarding and whizzed through TSA, got to my gate in time to gate-check my bag (I'm absolutely not paying if I don't have to) and walk right onto the plane. Phew! That was a bit stressful, but then I sat down and slept my whole flight home. It was also 5am.

Why else do I think PreCheck is worth the money? ($80)

• At some point, they are probably make you start taking your shoes off again. I said it. Research shows that skipping that step is actually very bad for security purposes, and while this administration doesn't care about our safety, the next probably will. 
• I don't have to take everything out of my bag and then repack it in the 4 seconds before the next person and their bag invades my space on the conveyor belt.
• While you still need to adhere to the 3.4oz rule, you don't have to have it all corralled in a bag. At least, I never have.I still keep my liquids separate in my toiletry bag, but that's mainly so any spillage doesn't happen on all my dry stuff. 
• You don't need 3 bins for your things. Instead, you just empty your pockets into your purse or side pocket of your carry-on, push it/them through, and walk through the metal detector.
• Instead of getting "randomly searched" at security 3 out of 4 times on my trips, I almost never do.

Honestly, not having to get to the airport 3 hours early is a blessing, even if I find the airport fun. 

Literally, no line.

When should you upgrade to Global Entry? ($120)

If you're taking at least two international trips within your 5-year window, it's worth it. Obviously, if you go more, you get more value, but it's $40 more than PreCheck and that's worth it to me to not have to stand in hours-long lines coming back home. If you like standing in customs lines, that's great. I enjoy talking to people, too, but at the end of my trip, I just want to get home, even if I have another flight to get there. 

There have been times where people were waiting for 2 hours to talk to a customs agent and we just walked up to the machines, pushed a button, took our receipt, and walked right to the agent to hand it over. Am I worried about facial recognition? Kind of, but at this point, it's too late to do anything about it, and the government knows where I'm going and when I'm coming back. If you're worried about facial recognition, I get it. It means you'll have to wait in longer lines and do some extra steps at TSA.

The other benefit of having Gobal Entry is that you get an ID card, which can work in place of your driver license, and that means I haven't had to go through the hoopla of getting a Real ID yet. I probably will when I need to renew, but for now, I am not paying an extra $30 to get another thing that works the same as 2 others that I already own (Global Entry card & current passport). 

Do you have PreCheck or Global Entry, and if so, do you think it's worth it?

3 Things You Should Take On Every Trip That Won't Fit In Your Suitcase

There are some things that you should take on every trip you take. Some of them won't even fit in your suitcase, even if you check it. But that's okay, because they are easy to carry-on and make a big difference!

Whenever I travel, I make sure I have the right mindset, because if you don't, when things go wrong or are a bit of an inconvenience, you can just start to spiral. Nobody wants to deal with your crash out when they are just trying to do their job, or are mid-crisis too. So, here are the 3 things you need in your travel arsenal:

This rental car was miniscule, but the actual problem was that I could not
get it back in automatic mode, no matter what, so I just learned how to
shift while driving around France.

Patience

Listen, you're going to wait in lines. You're going to be in places that are more crowded then you would like. There are going to be loud, annoying people. We all hate to endure these things. Maybe the restaurant you chose was understaffed and it took your meal extra long to get to your table. That's life. It's not the wait staff's fault. It's also nobody's fault that you are traveling somewhere popular and crowded, or during a particularly busy time. You're on vacation. You don't have to work and you don't have a time schedule. Just breathe and tell yourself it's okay. 

Did I freak out when I was unable to make my train to get to my Stonehenge tour? No. I was disappointed, but it wasn't anyone's fault that the trains were all down due to a freak hurricane-like storm that took down trees all over the city. Did I throw a tantrum because on another trip to London, someone got hit by a train and I couldn't make my breakfast reservation? No. I just figured out how to call the restaurant and let them know what was happening and to give my reservation away. Things happen. You being crazy is not going to help.

Our flight was late getting to Chicago (ORD), so we ran all the way to
our connecting gate, only to find out our next flight was delayed.
Sweaty and tired for no reason.

Kindness

The mom in front of you trying to wrangle her kid(s) and the stroller and her bags all on her own is doing her best. The counter staff dealing with angry passengers whose flights were delayed is just doing her job. The waiter who forgot your straw, because he has twice as many tables as usual, is trying to not fall apart. Being kind to people is the least you can do in almost any situation. Everyone's life is hard sometimes. You don't need to add to it. 

Besides, you have the privilege to travel and try new things and eat new foods and meet new people. That's amazing. If you frame it that way, and not like things are happening to you and making your life inconvenient, you'll be a lot more cheerful, even when things go wrong. Sometimes, a smile goes a long way and can help someone else get through and release some stress, too.

Missed a flight, so made the best of it by getting some food and
entertaining ourselves by streaming a movie. The GoDesk is perfect
for use as a table at the airport.

Compromise

Again, not everything is going to go perfectly all the time. Will you miss a connection? Maybe. Will something happen that you can't make it to a dinner reservation? Sometimes. It's not what happens, but how you deal with it. When we couldn't make it to Stonehenge, we went to a local park instead and marveled at that beauty. When we were going to miss our breakfast reservation at a restaurant in The Shard, we just stopped a local breakfast place and had a more budget-friendly, but still delicious meal. 

When we had our car window smashed and luggage stolen, we just called who we needed to call to report the crime, then had a very calm conversation with the airline staff person to help us get another flight, since we missed the one we were booked on. Did we have to go a different way and get home later? Yes. Was it the end of the world? No. By the time we got home, w were so happy to crawl into our own bed, though. Life happens, even on vacation. You just roll with it and realize that not everything is in your control, but what is in your control, is how you respond to it. 

Don't ruin your own trip by being an impatient jerk. You don't have to smile, but you can be kind, give people grace, be grateful you get to travel when so many don't, and enjoy every win you get. 

What would you add to this list?

Last-Minute Travel Gifts for Mom

I know, I know, Mother's Day is next weekend. This has been a hard year for me, because I actually lost my mom in November, so getting the motivation to post a whole list like I usually do has been rough. I still have moms in my life though, and they deserve the world. So, if you're in the same boat, I'm sorry, because it's not easy, especially this time of year. 

My mom and I loved to travel, and I'm so glad we got to travel together as much as we did after I got married and my dad died, because we had fun and I think it's important to enjoy your parents while they're with you. 

Some of my favorite travel items right now that your mom might love for her special day, that you can still get before next Sunday, are all less than $40, and most under $20:

Good Molecules Yerba Mate Eye Cream

I adore this stuff. It helps depuff and make you feel more awake. I use it both in the morning and in the evening, especially when I travel. It's affordable and feels good, plus it comes in a very travel-friendly size. You have coffee in the morning, so why not treat your eyes to some caffeine as well? Under $6! I'm also a big fan of their hyalauronic acid for extra moisturizing and their niacinimide serum for plumping up your skin and hiding those fine lines. You could treat your mom to a whole skin system that won't break your budget, or heres when she goes to replace them.

Portable Neck Fan

Summer temps are coming and also hot flashes are no joke. Sometimes, you just need a fan to keep cool (or to waft smells away from you in enclosed spaces, because nobody wants to sit next to someone who bathed in perfume or cologne, Brad!). This little powerhouse fan is rechargable and can be used in several different ways. I love that you can clip it to your waist and have it blow air into your shirt. It comes in a bunch of fun colors and is less than $15!

Tiny, but Mighty Power Bank

I just bought one of these for myself, because I am headed to both Universal Fan Fest Nights and the Travel Goods Show where I don't want to waste bag space with my usual larger power bank and extra cords. This one has an attached cord and while it has half the battery as my larger one, it's great for a day out, even when taking a ton of pictures and putting together reels for Instagram. It's also almost 30% off right now. It comes is colors other than black, can fit in a pocket, and keeps your mom connected.

Travel Jewelry Case

Your mom is probably a stylish lady who likes to look good on vacation, so get her a portable jewelry box to take some of her favorite pieces with her, so she can upgrade her look for nights out. I love this one, because it's rigid and still has lots of room for whatever she wants to take, but still small enough to hide in her carry-on. Plus, if you were thinking of getting her a new piece of jewelry, this is the perfect way to gift it to her. These also come in a bunch of different colors, in case your mom isn't a pink girlie, and most of them are under $10, but look like they cost more.

The Littlest Travel Adapter

Anker makes amazing products, and if your mom likes to cruise or travel internationally, she absolutely needs a travel adapter, but not one of those big bulky ones that take up a bunch of room in her carry-on. This small wall adapter works in 200 countries and is super easy to use. Plus, it's only about $26. A steal, if you ask me. It has a 2-prong outlet, 2 USB-C outlets, and 2 USB outlets. Perfect for charging everything she takes with her. Of course, if she needs a 3-prong outlet, because she brings things like her laptop, this one works in 150 countries, runs a bit less, has a USB outlet and 2 USB-C outlets. (Also, if your mom is a cruiser and needs a little help with her planning, you can download and print or email her my cruise planning guide.

Water Socks

In the last few years, my mom had issue with slippery surfaces, including the shower. She was taking baths in order to not fall down, so I bought her some of these water socks and she said they were the best thing she had, because they were so grippy and she wasn't worried about falling in the bathroom anymore. If your mom also has this problem or spends a lot of time at the beach, pool, or gym, these are a must for gripping surfaces and protecting the bottom of her feet from sharp rocks/shells and burning sand/cement. All styles are less than $15, so you can get her more than one pair, so when one pair is in the wash, she has another pair.

Cube, Wide-Mouth MakeUp Bag

We love a cute and convenient toiletry kit. I have quite a few and most of them are hanging ones, but the best feeling is when you can plot your bag down on the bathroom counter, unzip it, and see everything at once. I know a lot of hotels don't have much counterspace, but this bag doesn't take up much, and can easily be zipped up when you're finished for the morning and stashed underneath the sink, in a drawer, or back in your suitcase. Right now, all colors are just $20 and some change.

Portable, Adjustable Lighted MakeUp Mirror

I love my makeup mirror. It's great on trips when someone is in the bathroom, but you still need to get ready, or the lighting is trash (like, WHY is this such a universal problem?) and you want to actually see your face. This great mirror is a great size, but still folds down flat, and even has a magnifying mirror, because us ladies with old-people eyes need to see what we're doing without glasses in the way. It lights up with 3 different color settings, so we can make sure when we go outside, we don't look like a clown. It's also rechargable. No batteries, no cords. This is the most expensive item on this list, at $36. That's not even on sale! Comes in pink and purple.

I hope you and your mom (or the moms in your life) have the best Mother's Day. Moms are amazing and work so hard, they deserve some time away to relax and enjoy someone waiting on them for a change.

What are some of your favorite travel gifts you've gotten or given?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Hotel Room

I'm headed to the Travel Goods Show again this year. Usually, I stay at one of our timeshare locations in Las Vegas, but they have moved it to Salt Lake City this year. I could still stay at a timeshare location, but it would be 30 miles away and I would have to rent a car, so instead, I used points to stay next to the convention center, saving me money for not having to get a rental car or pay for gas or parking. I'll have to pay for an Uber to/from the airport, but that's still much cheaper.

So, now I'm staying in a hotel, which is a bit less convenient than staying in a vacation rental, because I won't have a kitchen or a separate bedroom. That's okay though. Most of us need to stay in hotels. They're everywhere you want to go, and usually cheaper than a vacation rental, especially if there is only one or two of you.

There are some ways to make the most out of a hotel room and the room rate:

Use the Extras

When you stay at a hotel, you're paying for everything that's available, from the gym to the parking. If you are looking for a deal, either look for a more budget hotel, or pick one that has extras that you'll use and will save you money. My favorites are free breakfast, complimentary WiFi, laundry facilities, and free coffee in the lobby. 

Not only is my hotel in Salt Lake right across the street from the convention center, but it has free buffet breakfast, 24/7 coffee in the lobby, and close to a ton of restaurants. One example: If you like using a gym, having one in your building can save you time and money, so weigh the amount you're paying against the value you're actually getting. 

Staying Closer to the City Center

A lot of vacation rentals aren't close to many things. You either have to take public transportation or rent a car to geet everywhere you want to go. On the other hand, you can find a hotel in your price range in whatever part of town you want to stay in or you'll be doing most of your sightseeing in.

Enjoy More Security

As a solo traveler, I am a fan of feeling safe wherever I plan to stay. I never know what I'm going to get with a vacation rental (though most of our timeshare locations are either gated or need a room key to go anywhere in the elevator). Most hotels have cameras in the halls and the elevators and the lobby, plus the front desk clerk, generally, remembers you and keeps an eye out. You can even ask them to contact you and/or someone else if you don't come back at a designated time. 

While rare, room break-ins happen, and if this is something you worry about, there are precautions you can take.

• Ask for a room above the ground floor, where the majority of break-ins happen.
• Use the dead bolt.
• Make sure you don't have an adjoining room, therefore, eliminating a second point of entry.
• Bring your own security alarm. The Birdie door alarm is a great one, the doorstop alarm is very popular, the deadbolt lock doesn't require a battery, and this baricade security bar can work in several different ways.

Choose a Room with More Amenities

The more things your room has, the more value you're getting, especially if you use it. A mini-fridge saves you money, because you can go to the grocery store and pick up drinks and snacks (it's mostly a cooler, not something to keep things cold enough to keep them from spoiling, like milk). I like that I can also bring back leftovers and save money that way. It helps if your room also has microwave to reheat those leftovers, but if not, it's great for sandwiches and cold items.

You know I love coffee, and that means I will drink it at any time. Generally, I have a cup in the morning and then a cup around 8:30pm to wind down with a snack. Most places you can't actually get an okay coffee in the evening, but if you can make your own, that saves you money and lets you chill out in your room longer. 

I also like to have separate seating areas, so a desk or an armchair are great to have. Complimentary toiletries can save you from packing shampoo, conditioner, and soap/body wash. I'm a big fan of the freebie makeup remover wipes, but I'll except the special makeup towel. 

Ask for a Corner Room 

You may not be able to spring for a suite
over a standard room, but if you can swing a corner room, they have more square footage and usually more windows, so they feel even bigger and brighter. I have been lucky to get a corner room without asking specificially if one is available. Some even have a balcony that other rooms don't have the luxury of, extending your room just a bit more.

How do you get the most value out of your hotel rooms?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Packing The Perfect Summer Travel Bag

Lst post we talked about ways to travel more eco-consciously for Earth Month (but also all year long), and one of the easiest ways to change your travel to help the Earth, your back, and your wallet is to pack light. Summer is the best time to start packing light, because warm weather clothes are smaller and easier to pack, giving you a great foundation for when you pack for other seasons.

If, like me, you're going on a summer trip (or trips) and are looking to pack a perfect bag and not spend all your money on baggage fees, then I'm here for you. It's all about the capsule wardrobe. Most travel sites will suggest the 5-4-3-2-1 strategy, and I also love the 3-3-3 strategy, but I'm going with 3-3-1-2, unless you're going on a long trip. 

What the heck am I talking about? Quick catch-up: 

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses/shoes, 2 bags/swimsuits, and 1 bag/sunglasses. I will agree with 5 tops for most trips, but the rest is just too much. The 3-3-3 method is 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes. It's pretty minimal, and I like that, but it also limits you pretty hard, especially when you are going to hot destination and will need to rewear things. No one wants to do laundry every other day.

No, we go with the 3-3-1-2 packing method, which allows you to bring everything you need, but also can fit in a small carry-on, and gives you a good variety. Let's look at what those numbers mean: 

• 3 tops, which actually ends up being 4, because you're going to wear one on the plane or in the car, if you're road-tripping
• 3 bottoms, 2 of which you pack and 1 of which you wear on the way there (this is usually how I bring a pair of pants or a long skirt with me)
• 1 dress that can be worn for sightseeing, but can also be dressed up for a nice dinner or a show
• 2 pairs of shoes that go with everything. I always choose a pair of sandals that I can walk in all day and wear to the pool/beach and then a pair of nicer shoes that you can also walk in all day, like some cute ballet flats

You're going to need some wildcard pieces. In addition to your normal all-day clothing, you want to include a wrap (this one is insect-repellant, can be used as a beach towel, a sarong, and even a wrap shirt in a pinch), sunglasses, a swimsuit, a lightweight, packable rain jacket, and comfy pajamas that are good for lounging, too. 

When you pick a color palette to pack, everything should go with everything else. I chose a pink base here as a way to show how you can go with a brighter color and still maximize your small wardrobe. Not everything has to be boring neutrals. Choose your own fave color and work around that. 

First up, I chose these berry-colored water shorts from Columbia. You can wear them to the pool and you can wear them shopping and sightseeing, so they are a great multi-use item. Depending on what you're doing, here are some ways to wear them:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals. I'm a fan of Clarks shoes. They are always classic and they are comfortable to wear all day long, no matter what you're doing. I love the fun lace details on these.
• Cover up a bit in the A/C by throwing this button-up from Columbia on over the top.
• Pair a complimentary pink tee from Columbia with these berry shorts. You will be cool, since the whole outfit is moisture-wicking.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

Next up, a longer neutral short from Prana in "mud" color: 

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. I wore these Cleo Skechers all over Las Vegas and they were both cute and super comfy.
• Hide your shoulders with the button-up from Columbia on over the tank.
• Give a Neapolitan vibe pink tee from Columbia. Brown and pink always reminds me of ice cream.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

If you're going to be inside where it's cooler or the temps drop a bit at night, we're going with these lightweight Prana joggers in gray that I would have worn on the plane with a cropped tee or another comfortable top to sit in for hours in fluctuating temps:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. 
• Add a little flair with this button-up over your tank.
• Get a little sporty by wearing with the pink tee.
• Throw on your button-up over it for a casual patio dinner.
• Wear the button-up alone with your flats for just a wander through a museum. 

Lastly, let's check out this sporty travel-friendly dress from Prana. I have several dresses from them and they are so comfortable and flattering, plus they all have pockets! 

• Wear it alone with sandals while out and about. 
• Add your wrap and ballet flats for going out somewhere a bit dressy.
• Layer your pink tee over the top of it to give it a skirt feel.
• Toss on the button-up for a little extra sun protection or to cover up the open back if you're inside somewhere that needs a bit of modesty.

So, there you go. You can make almost 20 outfits with just 8 pieces and you have shoes that go with everything you've brought. Save even more space by wearing your flats on the plane, though if you don't have PreCheck, then you might not want to take them off and go barefoot through security. Of course, you can always pack a pair of slipper socks for that. I like to wear those while lounging around my room, too. 

Now you can spend your vacation budget on awesome foods and activities. Don't forget your sunscreen! See how I put together my own mix-and-match wardrobe on my Instagram.

Where are your summer travels taking you?

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Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Earth Month

When we travel, we try to make as little physical impact on our destinations as possible. We go by the rule of going out in nature: "take only pictures. leave only footprints." I know that the biggest ruiners of the earth are billionaires and huge companies, but that doesn't mean we need to add to it, especially in places we don't live. 

Let's talk about ways you can do good by the earth when you travel and are contributing more to air pollution through flying and driving.

Eat Less Meat

When we travel, we often try a lot of new foods, which also includes local meats and veggies. Commercial fishing and ranching can be very hard on an environment and tourism can add to that. If you do a bit of research, you can find great restaurants that serve locally-sourced foods that are grown and raised sustainably, so you can eat the good stuff and feel good about it, too. 

You might pay a little more, but if you make those places your main meals and then either eat breakfast at "home" or hit up the farmers' market near you, you can offset those costs  and still feel like you're getting the most out of your trip. It also gives you a reason to eat more vegetables, which a lot of us tend to slack on when we travel.

Bring Your Own Reusable Bag

The UK and Europe have already been making people bring their own bags or pay for the flimsiest bag you've ever touched, but there are still places that use plastic bags. Because I use my own bags at home, I use them when I travel, too. We don't really buy a ton of stuff at the grocery store when we travel, but enough to get us through with snacks and breakfast items, so I bring one or two lightweight bags for our purchases. 

My very favorite bag is by Nano Bag. They are so thin and lightweight and pack down into their own teeny tiny pocket, but they are heavy duty and hold a lot. I've used these for carrying around our jackets when the day gets too warm and then holding my entire grocery haul. In fact, I like them so much, that one year I purchased a bunch and put our whole family's holiday gifts in them. I always have one in my purse and one in the car for back-up, because it's always nice to have a spare bag.

Skip Mass-Produced Souveniers

Don't contribute to sweat shop conditions and the air pollution that big factories pump out. Instead, make intentional souvenir purchases wherever you go, but buying from small businesses and local artists. You'll get more joy out of it, because you'll use it more or want to display it more prominently. If you buy something as a gift, it'll show that you put more thought into it as well.

Turn Off Lights

Yes, you're paying for your time in your hotel, but that doesn't mean you have to waste electricity. When I leave my room for the day, I turn off all the lights, just like I would at home. I often put out my Do Not Disturb card, because I don't need my towels and bedding washed and changed every day. Before I check-out, we double-check that we've packed everything and we do our best to leave thing as tidy as possible, because we don't want to make more work for housekeeping.

The same goes for vacation rentals. I stack the dishwasher throughout our stay and then run one full load on our way out the door, including the coffee carafe. We turn the ice maker off, turn off all the lights, and pick up all the towels. Do I have to do these things? No, but it's nice to make someone's job easier. 

Fly Nonstop When Possible

We all want to fly nonstop, because it's less annoying to have to just get on one plane and then get off at our destination. Sometimes, it's cheaper to have a layover. It's not always a lot cheaper to do it this way, so paying the extra to make your life easier is also better for the environment, too. 

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

Instead of purchasing drinks throughout the day when you're out and about, bring along a reusable bottle, so you aren't adding to the landfill wherever you go. We always bring along a water bottle sling like this one to carry it more comfortably and also hold things like flavoring, gum, and change, so my husband's pockets aren't full of random nonsense. We've used it for a battery pack, to recharge our phones throughout the day, but it has a locking zipper, so you can use it instead of a wallet, if you want.

Take Public Transportation

This is a big one. Mass transit is always the best eco-friendly option, besides your feet. Using the bus or train to get around is fun, too, because it gives you a chance to feel like you're living in your destination and you can see a lot more than you would if you just went from Point A to Point B in a car. We've seen places we were interested in stopping for on the way back from where we were going and we've met some great folks on public transportation, too. 

These are just a few ways to help the environment when you travel and is by no means a full list. When you start thinking intentionally about your impact on the world around you, you find even more ways to lower your carbon footprint. Don't forget to recycle where you can, cut down on pre-packaged items, and don't litter. 

What are some of your favorite eco-friendly tips for travel?

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